Evolving the Cape Town International Jazz Festival While Staying True to Jazz Roots

The 2026 Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) showcased a bold, multigenerational programme, bringing together global icons like Jacob Collier and Fatoumata Diawara alongside South African legends such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Nduduzo Makhathini, and Abdullah Ibrahim. Co-festival director Georgia Jones emphasised a focus on African talent while introducing international artists to inspire and engage a younger audience, ensuring the festival’s longevity. The inclusion of Amapiano pioneers Scorpion Kings sparked debate on the festival’s jazz purism, but the organisers explained it was a conscious choice to remain relevant and inclusive without losing the festival’s jazz core. The event attracted around 12,000 attendees and highlighted the importance of accessibility, collaboration, and community impact, including initiatives with local organisations like Bridges for Music in Langa. Jones noted that the festival provides a secure cultural space where people of all ages and backgrounds can belong, reinforcing South Africa’s evolving cultural identity. Looking forward, the festival aims to expand its national reach, maintain jazz at its core, and create year-round engagement, while sustaining meaningful partnerships and inspiring creativity among local and international artists.